"I court the fullest investigation.

I have been honest--" "Of course, of course," replied Whitney.

"There never was a man as timid as you are that wasn't honest.

What a shallow world it is! How often envy and cowardice pass for virtue!" "I often say, sir," replied Vagen, with intent to soothe and flatter, "there ain't one man in ten million that wouldn't have done the things you've done if they'd had the brains and the nerve." "And pray what are the 'things I've done' ?" inquired Whitney.

But the flame of irritation was so feeble that it died down before his words were out.